structural integrity is an afterthought. knock that pillar down like it's just there for the dog and pony show.

Add some shelving to it and make it look as intentional as possible

Can you share the floorplan? Perhaps enlarge it, enclose a ventless fireplace and clad the entire thing in stone veneer? Ditto into a bookcase. It does need to look intentional. Think outside the box and have fun with it. I hope this helps. :)

HI -- If it is not structural then It could and should go . Don't hang anything on it or build around it if it doesn't have to be there . If you find out it has to stay for structure then still don't hang anything on it or build anything to it . That will make it stand out even more . Does this make any sense in the rooms style ? Can you show more views of the room and corner etc.